Date: December 07, 2012
Author: Omnisport

Schwartzel tightens grip on lead

South Africa&aposs Charl Schwartzel shot a second consecutive seven-under 65 to extend his lead to four shots at the Thailand Golf Championship. Schwartzel posted seven birdies in the best round of the day on Friday to reach 14-under overall at the Amata Spring Country Club. Swede Daniel Chopra is second at 10 under courtesy of his five-under 67, one stroke ahead of Japan&aposs Masanori Kobayashi (67) and local hope Thitiphun Chuayprakong who was three under for his round with three holes remaining when play was suspended due to darkness. “I played good,” Kobayashi said. “I&aposm hitting a lot of good shots and it&aposs easy for me to play during the round. “I spent some time earlier this year here to practice. I like this course. The fairways are wide and conditions are good. “I don&apost think you can really make low scores as it&aposs a hard golf course.” Japan&aposs Ryo Ishikawa is outright fifth at eight under, while Masters champion Bubba Watson, Spaniard Sergio Garcia and Australian Scott Hend are a further two shots adrift in a tie for sixth. “I&aposm in a decent position,” Garcia said. “I would like to do better for the weekend but hopefully if I get a good weekend then I might have a chance.” Englishman Lee Westwood, Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts and Australia&aposs Darren Beck are among seven players in a tie for ninth at five under. Wade Ormsby was the next best Aussie in a share of 20th with one hole to play, while Scott Barr is tied 25th at two under.